PCA9685 16-Channel 12-Bit PWM/Servo Driver Module

PCA9685 16-Channel 12-Bit PWM/Servo Driver Module (I2C Interface)

The PCA9685 16-Channel PWM/Servo Driver Module is an efficient solution for controlling multiple servos, LEDs, and other PWM-driven devices using only two I2C communication pins. Based on the PCA9685 PWM controller IC, the module provides 16 independent PWM outputs with 12-bit resolution, making it ideal for robotics, automation, LED control, and IoT projects.

Unlike generating PWM signals directly from a microcontroller, the PCA9685 features a built-in clock and hardware PWM generation, allowing your Arduino, ESP32, Raspberry Pi, or other controllers to remain free for other tasks. Multiple modules can be chained together, enabling control of up to 992 PWM outputs from a single I2C bus.

The board is 5V compatible and supports both servo motor control and high-precision LED dimming applications.

Key Features

• 16 independent PWM output channels
• High-resolution 12-bit PWM control (4096 steps)
• I2C communication interface requiring only SDA and SCL pins
• Adjustable PWM frequency up to approximately 1.6 kHz
• Built-in PWM controller with dedicated clock
• Supports servo motors, LEDs, and other PWM devices
• Output Enable (OE) pin for quickly disabling all outputs
• Configurable push-pull or open-drain outputs
• Reverse polarity protection on power input
• Power status LED indicator
• Servo-friendly 3-pin connectors
• Expandable design supporting up to 62 modules on a single I2C bus
• Compatible with Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, STM32, and other microcontrollers

Technical Specifications

• Controller IC: PCA9685
• Communication Interface: I2C
• PWM Channels: 16
• PWM Resolution: 12-bit (4096 levels)
• PWM Frequency: Up to ~1.6 kHz
• Logic Compatibility: 3.3V and 5V
• Servo Voltage Support: Up to 6V
• Address Range: Configurable via jumpers
• Maximum Modules per I2C Bus: 62
• Maximum Controllable Outputs: 992
• Output Types: Push-Pull or Open-Drain
• Protection: Reverse Polarity Protection
• Additional Features:
  • Power Indicator LED
  • Output Enable Pin
  • Terminal Block Power Input
  • Capacitor Mounting Position
  • 220Ω Protection Resistors on Outputs

Applications

• Multi-servo robotic arms
• Hexapod and quadruped robots
• RC projects
• LED dimming and lighting control
• Home automation
• IoT systems
• Motion control projects

Package Includes

• 1 × PCA9685 16-Channel 12-Bit PWM/Servo Driver Module